As Real Madrid gear up for their Club World Cup last-16 tie against Juventus on Tuesday (20:00 BST), one player already looks central to new manager Xabi Alonso’s plans — Arda Güler.

Once dubbed ‘the Turkish Messi’, the 20-year-old’s early spell in Spain was plagued by inconsistency and lack of trust. But under Alonso, Güler is thriving — and his resurgence has supporters and pundits alike talking about a glittering future.

⸻

Just a year ago, Güler was tipped to be the next breakout star in Real Madrid’s evolving midfield. His debut campaign ended brightly — six goals in ten La Liga appearances as Madrid clinched the title — while a stunning 25-yard curler at Euro 2024 for Turkey against Georgia only raised expectations further.

He looked set to follow the developmental arc of fellow young imports like Vinícius Júnior, Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga.

But under Carlo Ancelotti, that promise stalled. Güler failed to gain the manager’s trust, rarely featured in key matches, and was left on the bench for both legs of Real’s Champions League quarter-final exit to Arsenal.

He ended the campaign with fewer than 1,800 minutes across all competitions — the second-lowest among outfield players who weren’t long-term absentees — prompting speculation that a move away from Madrid could be on the cards.

But then came Ancelotti’s exit. And since Xabi Alonso’s arrival, no player has benefited more than Güler.

⸻

One of the key issues last season was positional uncertainty. Was Güler a winger? A central playmaker? Ancelotti never settled on an answer, frequently switching his role between the right flank and a deeper midfield slot.

Güler himself has long been clear on the matter: “I prefer to play inside, closer to the ball, where I can influence the game more,” he told Turkish media last year.

Alonso agrees. “He needs to be close to the ball,” the manager said — and he has backed those words with action. Güler started centrally in recent victories over Pachuca and RB Salzburg, with seasoned stars like Luka Modrić, Dani Ceballos, and Brahim Díaz consigned to the bench.

His performances justified the faith. He scored in the win over Pachuca, and against Salzburg, he completed more passes than any other player before being subbed off.

In both matches, Modrić replaced him — a changing of the guard in real time. With Modrić expected to join AC Milan after the tournament, it’s clear Alonso has identified Güler as the long-term successor.

⸻

One of Güler’s earliest believers, Vítor Pereira — the manager who handed him his professional debut at Fenerbahçe — says the signs were obvious from the start.

“He reminded me of James Rodríguez when I coached him at 19,” said Pereira, speaking to Marca. “Every time he got the ball, he tried to make something happen. And if he lost it, he demanded it back immediately.”

Despite the lazy comparisons with Lionel Messi, Pereira sees Güler as more of a traditional No.8 or No.10. “He has the intelligence, the vision, the ability to shoot and to find the final pass. He always wants to improve — and that’s what will take him far.”

⸻

The environment at Real Madrid is not always forgiving. Young talent often needs to earn its place — and Güler’s struggle last season was proof of that. But he has emerged from the experience stronger.

“He’s got the quality and mentality to become a main protagonist,” added Pereira. “I have no doubt there are big things in store for him.”

Less than a month into Alonso’s tenure, Güler is already justifying the renewed belief. And if he shines against Juventus, it will be another reminder that this gifted Turkish midfielder is no longer a player for tomorrow — he’s ready now.